New Zealand retained the America’s Cup by beating Great Britain in the 37th edition of the event.

Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Britannia team were 6-2 behind going into Saturday’s racing and needed to win race nine to stay in the best-of-13 series in Barcelona.

However, despite some pressure from the British boat, Emirates Team New Zealand secured victory by 37 seconds to take an unassailable 7-2 lead.

New Zealand, who won the competition in 2017 and 2021, have become the first team to lift the Auld Mug on three consecutive occasions since the USA (1987-1992).

Great Britain, who have never won the trophy in the competition’s 173-year history, were appearing in their first final since 1964.

“Firstly, I’ve got to say a huge well done to Team New Zealand,” said British captain Ainslie.

“What an amazing campaign and team. In my view, they are the best team ever in the America’s Cup.

“To our team, I just can’t say enough thanks to everyone for all the effort they’ve put in over the years to get us this far.

“We had our moments in the finals but, at the end of the day, the better team won.”

He added: “This isn’t going to be the end of the journey for us. We set out 10 years ago to win the America’s Cup [and] we’re getting closer each time.

“The trick is to keep going and get it home next time.”